It Takes a Village to Build a Champion - and Jaclyn Pepper is Proof
- Lindsey Oaks
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
Sometimes the best journeys are the ones that almost don’t happen. For California-based dressage rider Jaclyn Pepper and Limited Edition, that’s precisely the story behind their trip to this year’s Festival of Champions—a story stitched together with grit, heart, and the power of community.
Last year, Jaclyn competed in the Developing Prix St. Georges division, finishing fourth. With no concrete plans to return in 2025, she focused on showing "Ellie" at the Intermediate I level. Then, in early summer, a lesson with her coach, Anne Gribbons, changed everything.
“I was talking about how maybe next year I’d try for the Developing Grand Prix,” Jaclyn recalled. “Anne just looked at me and said, ‘Why not this year? You’re ready now.’”
It sounded impossible. Jaclyn hadn’t even shown Ellie at the Grand Prix level yet. But with her coach’s encouragement, she decided to try—and on her very first attempt, she broke the 70% mark. Suddenly, the dream was within reach.
The road to qualifying wasn’t easy. Jaclyn and Ellie had to squeeze three shows into just five weeks, even hauling in for a one-day competition to make it work. Against all odds, they made the top six for qualifying.
However, the reality soon set in: traveling from California to the Festival of Champions would cost nearly $25,000. For a self-described “broke horse trainer,” that number seemed like a wall too high to climb.
So Jaclyn did something brave—she asked for help.
“I started a GoFundMe, which I honestly hated doing,” she admitted. “But within three days, people had given $8,000. I was blown away.”
Her community—friends, clients, and supporters who had watched her journey—rallied around her. Donations poured in until she had raised the entire $23,000 needed to cover the trip.
“It was the most incredible thing,” she said. “To feel that much love and support from home—it made this whole experience possible.”
This week, Jaclyn and Ellie went on to finish fourth in the developing Grand Prix, and Ellie was the highest-placing U.S.-bred horse! What makes the achievement even sweeter is that Jaclyn has trained her since she was just three years old.
“She’s my best friend,” Jaclyn said with a smile. “She nickers when I walk in the barn. She even fell asleep in my lap the other day. She’s just… my girl.”
Their bond shows in the arena, too. Observers noted how relaxed and joyful the mare looked, a testament to the trust between them.
Most riders spend years planning and saving for a chance at a national championship like this. For Jacqueline, it all came together in just two whirlwind months. But with determination, hard work, and the support of an entire community, she and her horse made it to the Festival of Champions—proving that sometimes, the stars really do align.
“I just hope we’re making everyone at home proud,” Jacqueline said.
It’s safe to say: they already have.
Lindsey Oaks is an author, professional rider & coach, photographer, branding strategist, and mom.
She lives in the Chicago suburbs, teaching "horse-crazy kids" (and adults) to communicate effectively with 1000-lb animals who don't speak English and creating strategies for service providers and consultants to communicate with the world. Her students and clients describe her as a coffee-addicted, high-energy smartypants who tells stories to teach lessons.
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